Classes in my new home town are just starting to build some momentum. Yoga community has once again started to grow larger by starting teaching in a newer area. Again, as new student seek information, are intrigued by or have been told that yoga "might help", I'm still amazed each time hear "I don't think I can do yoga", it also saddens me a bit each time I hear it because somehow in much of North-American, our society has a belief pattern that yoga has exclusivity and that the 'ability' to practice would only include people who are flexible, stereotypically 'yoga-looking' and are of a certain 'anything'. That somehow those who need yoga desperately, those who have limitations to their physical structures, those who have health concerns or health restrictions are somehow not "able" to practice. I think this belief is one of self-limitation. It amazes me how little people truly understand that yoga is more than just movement (asana), it's a complete health system that can be accessed by anyone, regardless of their current abilities.
What I then try to do is fully embrace all the lessons yoga has taught me over 30 years and reply with some version of this answer..... "Yoga is for EVERYONE/EVERY BODY. We practice not because we can or already have the skills, but rather because we want to be able to do things, be good at things and feel better, feel at home in our own bodies, be calmer and more at ease overall." Hopefully this response starts to open the door to possibilities. While not EVERYONE is suited for a public yoga class setting, EVERY BODY can do yoga.
If you are new to yoga in its concepts or yoga in action, I highly encourage you to speak to others with some or even LOTS of yoga experience. See what they say, ask why they choose to practice and wait for their honest response. Listen to their reply. I encourage to you try a class and see how it goes. You might just fall in love with it, like I did. Even if you try a class and 'it's not quite right'...maybe try a different class, or different teacher. Maybe that's a possible answer.
I know in my own personal practice, I have felt the amazing power both physically and mentally of what regular yoga practice does.
Recently speaking with a student who is trying to practice now 2-3 times each week. I commended them on their efforts and offered resounding encouragement...."...keep going, keep going, your efforts will repay you a million times over."
First we try, then we try again. Maybe we commit to once a week and watch what happens. Then maybe we commit to twice a week. Watch your rewards double. Then 3 times each week. I'll bet you dollars to donuts that after just a few weeks of practicing 3 times during each week, your body and mind will then ask for it on your "days off" from yoga. By that point, why not just dive right in and commit to 5 or 6 days a week or better yet, EVERY DAY!
Why not take 5 minutes each morning enjoy a few postures and take that 5 minutes to breathe fully, deeply. Then do it again before bedtime.
If you think you can't, think again. Yoga is more about re-training your brain, while working your body. Once we open the door to yoga in action; hopefully we get hooked and it simply become a part of who we are and not just something we go to do.
Until next time, In health & happiness,
Jo
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